Two people I know crossed over from life to death. Among all the positions they held in life, their relationships defined them as a son, brother, uncle, husband and father. The other was a daughter, sister, wife, mother and aunt. Their absence leaves a void in the lives of all loved ones. Death seemed to have caught them by surprise. They didn't plan or intend to die. Their moment of 'passing on' crept on them, unannounced.
Life takes on more meaning when considered with its end in mind. Death has an astonishing impact on 'Life' perspective ! The death knell awakens the living. Ponder with me, what life's last thoughts would be.
Will my mind be preparing a balance sheet of assets and liabilities or Will I long to have lived more fully and loved more dearly ? In view of the inevitable, I thought of Life in two terms.
Life defined by Time and Destination :
My body will surely 'expire', but soul lives forever ! Am I Heaven bound or Hell ? Of all the choices I make in life, this is the most important one. Death cannot catch a prepared person unawares. The only preparation you really need is the simplest of all. Believe and Receive Jesus. John 3 v 16 and John 1v 12
Life in terms of Investments and Possessions :
What possesses me, matters more than what I possess ! Does bitterness and unforgiveness possess me or am I driven by love and compassion ? Am I obsessed with possessing? Does it really matter what I do or do not possess when I am bound to leave it all behind? Will my possessions last the test of time ? Am I investing in what will survive the onslaught of moth, rust and thieves ? Mathew 6 :19-21
When it is time to say 'Goodbye' will you and I feel 'Good to say Bye' ?
Lord may our last moments on earth be filled with the Hope of Heaven and the Joy of meeting Jesus and all our loved ones again. May we live lives in keeping with that Joy and Hope.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Words that Hurt ?
At the outset, let me acknowledge that there may be,the possibility that Harsh words 'never' Hurt you. If you are thus special, please skip this post and read another one :-) Let me be honest with you, I am an extremely poor recipient of verbal assault. I just cannot take hurtful words in my stride. For that matter, when I am exposed to injustice of any kind, I have to search whether I have at least one 'peacemaker' bone in me. And of course, the tongue gets skipped in that search ! Injustice is inversely proportional to the boiling point of my blood. The report of injustice may have no relevance to me, yet I struggle to stomach it.I have listed a couple of standard responses when I am barraged with hot or cold verbal litter.
- I turn into a iceberg, confusingly cool on the outside but unbelievably unsettled underneath the surface. If the words are cold and harsh, there is every possibility of a Titanic collision unless there is change of course. If served on a hot platter, it can trigger a pressure cooker response.
- I forget the proverbial 'Bell and Brake' and let loose a tirade of my own choicest 'lawyer' vocabulary. Lawyer vocabulary basically comprises of sarcastic insensibility's.
- Volcanic eruption ! I am sure this needs no explanation.The target does not usually survive to tell the tale! :-) That was too graphic an exaggeration. Basically, the survivors wont know what hit them. A vial of venom may spill as well.
- Zipped lip - rhymes doesn't it ? zip-lip (that's what happens when you have a 5 yr old !). In this particular response, a divine providence restrains the tongue and causes it to remain inside the mouth. During this phase, it is possible that the brain is spewing out exquisite arguments, yet there is a temporary 'Speechlessness'. I say divine providence because that's what it is - an answer to prayer from some prior period of deep Communion with God. It is also highly probable that 'Somebody's praying for me'.
- Sweet words - this is still a rare and very precious response to me. I find some foreign words on my tongue like 'I forgive you', 'Its alright' etc.. I am usually convinced then, that somebody else is using my mouth to speak - At the end of it, I feel drained.. as though from extreme exhaustion. Yet, an indescribable peace overtakes me assuring me that God will take care of everything. And believe me, God does !
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Work in Progress
Have you seen this 'Sign' that says 'Work in Progress' ? Maybe, you feel glad they are finally doing something about that pothole or you are mad they are taking forever to finish it. How do you feel when you see a similar sign board outside the toilet ? I for one, am glad 'Cleaning is in progress' while I can't wait for them to finish !In case you haven't noticed, I have a 'WORK in PROGRESS' sign hanging on me too. God has been working on me for some years now..I heard you saying, 'It seems like forever'. :-) Yeah, I agree ! While I'm glad, I'm cleaned up some, there are some other bits (rather chunks) that are taking forever ! I am extremely grateful for your patience with me while I get fixed.
Funny though, I get mad at some other 'Work in Progress' homo sapiens! I am definitely not talking about you. You, my reader are perfect :-) In this journey of life, have you ever felt like 'No-Pause-Honking' at some 'Work in Progress' people around you? The people who never seem to get 'fixed'. They never seem to learn !
Today let us attempt to remember that God is working on us and others around us as well ! Let us be patient with one another. Give that benefit of doubt today. Forgive as you would like to be forgiven. God doesn't love us because we are perfect rather perfects us in his love. He's still working on me.....and you !
Sunday, February 10, 2013
The Jonah mission
These days I am a bit terrified to do bible reading with Joanna. The words seem to come right off the page and deal with me.
Recently, we did the story of Jonah. God asked Jonah to tell the People of Nineveh that he was going to punish them for their great wickedness. Jonah thought to himself of all the better things he could do ! He boarded a ship to Tarshish and promptly went to sleep in the belly of the ship. In case you didn't know, Tarshish lies in the diametrically opposite direction of Nineveh. God sends a storm, the sailors cast lots and Jonah is cornered. He accepts responsibility. A big fish swallows Jonah (whole) and he remains in its Belly for 3 days. Finally, the fish vomits Jonah onto Nineveh's shores. The bible records only a one liner sermon that Jonah preached,'Nineveh will be overthrown in 40days'. Yet, I don't know of a more effective sermon! The whole city felt convicted. Man and beast fasted and repented, right from the throne room to the stable. God relents, forgives and spares them. Jonah is upset that God forgave the Ninevehites.
Here comes me now -
Jonah expected God to act in a particular manner and is upset when he doesn't !
--- That's me alright ! Too often I think the controls of life lie in my hand ! I have been in Jonah's shoes more often than Jonah himself ! I am forever guilty of trying to tell God what to do and how to do it, when to act and even how to react !
Jonah thought he could ignore what God was asking him to do.
--- I do this when God asks me to do something that I don't want to do. Especially if that means to forgive someone whom, I feel doesn't deserve it. I pretend I didn't hear him and walk off in the opposite direction. As with Jonah, my story too doesn't end there. I get swallowed by a whale of separation from God. After a few days in the acid of my feelings and the stench of my attitude, 'i' am able to appreciate God's viewpoint far more than otherwise !
Jonah could not forgive the wickedness of the Ninevehites.Jonah wanted judgement not mercy.
--- Talk about forgiving the 'Wickedness' of today's world ! Reminds me of when I think I own the copyright to Gods love and compassion. Its like a sermon I often give the world (in my mind of course) "Hey people GOD is WATCHING you !!" while I sing to myself " For the Father up above watches me with love"!I heard recently, "You can't stand under the cross and point fingers at someone else".Here was Jonah deserving punishment for disobeying God and yet he was crying down hell fire on Nineveh. Sin is sin whether big or small.
God was working on Jonah while Jonah worked for God !
--- Phew ! that was inspiration! While we go about doing what God wants us to do, God works behind the scenes weeding out the garden of our life(our thoughts and attitudes). God sees the anger, bitterness, unforgiveness and everything else that is seething beneath our cool exteriors. He doesn't call us to live for him because we are perfect, rather he perfects us in his love. This is especially hard for the perfectionist portions in me.
If you are out there, waiting and wondering how God could ever use someone as imperfect as Jonah or yourself to accomplish his plans and purposes, give yourself a hug right now! He is God. He loves you far more than you can imagine ! As you obey him, his love will perfect you.
Recently, we did the story of Jonah. God asked Jonah to tell the People of Nineveh that he was going to punish them for their great wickedness. Jonah thought to himself of all the better things he could do ! He boarded a ship to Tarshish and promptly went to sleep in the belly of the ship. In case you didn't know, Tarshish lies in the diametrically opposite direction of Nineveh. God sends a storm, the sailors cast lots and Jonah is cornered. He accepts responsibility. A big fish swallows Jonah (whole) and he remains in its Belly for 3 days. Finally, the fish vomits Jonah onto Nineveh's shores. The bible records only a one liner sermon that Jonah preached,'Nineveh will be overthrown in 40days'. Yet, I don't know of a more effective sermon! The whole city felt convicted. Man and beast fasted and repented, right from the throne room to the stable. God relents, forgives and spares them. Jonah is upset that God forgave the Ninevehites.
Here comes me now -
Jonah expected God to act in a particular manner and is upset when he doesn't !
--- That's me alright ! Too often I think the controls of life lie in my hand ! I have been in Jonah's shoes more often than Jonah himself ! I am forever guilty of trying to tell God what to do and how to do it, when to act and even how to react !
Jonah thought he could ignore what God was asking him to do.
--- I do this when God asks me to do something that I don't want to do. Especially if that means to forgive someone whom, I feel doesn't deserve it. I pretend I didn't hear him and walk off in the opposite direction. As with Jonah, my story too doesn't end there. I get swallowed by a whale of separation from God. After a few days in the acid of my feelings and the stench of my attitude, 'i' am able to appreciate God's viewpoint far more than otherwise !
Jonah could not forgive the wickedness of the Ninevehites.Jonah wanted judgement not mercy.
--- Talk about forgiving the 'Wickedness' of today's world ! Reminds me of when I think I own the copyright to Gods love and compassion. Its like a sermon I often give the world (in my mind of course) "Hey people GOD is WATCHING you !!" while I sing to myself " For the Father up above watches me with love"!I heard recently, "You can't stand under the cross and point fingers at someone else".Here was Jonah deserving punishment for disobeying God and yet he was crying down hell fire on Nineveh. Sin is sin whether big or small.
God was working on Jonah while Jonah worked for God !
--- Phew ! that was inspiration! While we go about doing what God wants us to do, God works behind the scenes weeding out the garden of our life(our thoughts and attitudes). God sees the anger, bitterness, unforgiveness and everything else that is seething beneath our cool exteriors. He doesn't call us to live for him because we are perfect, rather he perfects us in his love. This is especially hard for the perfectionist portions in me.
If you are out there, waiting and wondering how God could ever use someone as imperfect as Jonah or yourself to accomplish his plans and purposes, give yourself a hug right now! He is God. He loves you far more than you can imagine ! As you obey him, his love will perfect you.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Swallow me !
This post has been in the draft for a few days. Felt that it is very apt for today as its my birthday :-)
...Surely Goodness and Mercy shall swallow me all the days of my life" ..so went Joanna's recitation of Psalm 23 in a hurry this morning..
Swallow is very closely linked with the words 'engulf' or 'disappear' in my mind. The Anaconda swallowed a deer. The Tsunami swallowed people and many a coastline, the big FISH swallowed Jonah and more personally, I swallow bitter pills.
The end result of the 'swallow' process is that the object disappears ! Thats probably the very reason why pride and anger are hard to swallow ! Swallow sounded very negative till I heard Joanna say it !
While i definitely don't want to be swallowed by an Anaconda, I absolutely want God's goodness and mercy to swallow me ! There's nothing better that could happen to my day. How do I know when I have been 'swallowed' ? I recognize it when God's Favor least expected greets me and his forgiveness undeserved embraces me. Then the object ' Me , myself and I' disappears and all the glory and praise goes to God alone! I love the quote - only God can turn a mess into a message, a test into a testimony !
When the worst worry threatens you,
And your wildest weakness overwhelms you,
I pray that you will run,
Cry or fall into the arms of God..
for there, his goodness and mercy will enfold you !
Though it seems like chance or coincidence (I know its neither !), today my brother has posted Psalm 23 (MSG). Please head over and read it Lesson #1.
My Birthday wish cum prayer for you my dear reader friend -
"May Gods goodness and mercy swallow you too !!"
...Surely Goodness and Mercy shall swallow me all the days of my life" ..so went Joanna's recitation of Psalm 23 in a hurry this morning..
Swallow is very closely linked with the words 'engulf' or 'disappear' in my mind. The Anaconda swallowed a deer. The Tsunami swallowed people and many a coastline, the big FISH swallowed Jonah and more personally, I swallow bitter pills.
The end result of the 'swallow' process is that the object disappears ! Thats probably the very reason why pride and anger are hard to swallow ! Swallow sounded very negative till I heard Joanna say it !
While i definitely don't want to be swallowed by an Anaconda, I absolutely want God's goodness and mercy to swallow me ! There's nothing better that could happen to my day. How do I know when I have been 'swallowed' ? I recognize it when God's Favor least expected greets me and his forgiveness undeserved embraces me. Then the object ' Me , myself and I' disappears and all the glory and praise goes to God alone! I love the quote - only God can turn a mess into a message, a test into a testimony !
When the worst worry threatens you,
And your wildest weakness overwhelms you,
I pray that you will run,
Cry or fall into the arms of God..
for there, his goodness and mercy will enfold you !
Though it seems like chance or coincidence (I know its neither !), today my brother has posted Psalm 23 (MSG). Please head over and read it Lesson #1.
My Birthday wish cum prayer for you my dear reader friend -
"May Gods goodness and mercy swallow you too !!"
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Hand or Heart ?
As much as I go beyond Jo's needs and try fulfill her wants, I find that her expectations never cease. Many a time her one desire spills over to the next one, leaving no room for heartfelt gratitude. Oft times, She fails to see my love and the extend of my sacrifice on her behalf. Yet whether or not she understands and appreciates, my love and concern for her does not cease. I am sure every parent would have experienced this at some point in their parenthood journey.
Just got thinking this morning, how focussed I have been on God's hand. I often tell the Lord how much I need his hand of healing, his hand of protection and provision. I desire his hand of blessing over every aspect of my life. Yet as soon as i experience Gods hand in one particular area, I move on to the next needy area in my life. Looking forever it seems to his hand. While there is nothing wrong in looking to Gods hand, I felt God telling me to listen to his heart and seek his face.
Gods face reflects his heart. As I lifted my focus off his hand to his face, I saw things I had never seen before. His love for me shows in his eyes - I am the apple of his eye. John 3 v 16 stared back at me attempting to express the extend of his love. As much as I saw love in Gods face, I also saw sorrow. His heart ached for the lost and lonely. Pain was etched on his face over his hurting children. It was then I saw beyond my need and greed. My selfishness loomed large before my eyes. It hurt to see my Daddy hurt.
Oh that we would see through his eyes and hear through his ears. If only his heart cry would become ours. For His heart seeks that we would be his hands. That Praying hands lifted in worship be transformed as helping hands.
He desires we mouth his words, words of comfort and healing. Oh that our feet would walk where his would tread. Going forth, reaching out, snatching away souls from the flames of destruction. To be his candle burning bright, dispelling the depths of despairing darkness.
While its true that the hand is not far from the face, what a change of perspective I experienced when I gazed into Gods heart through the mirror of his eyes ! Let us live each moment seeking his face and doing his will, while resting in the knowledge that we are engraved in the palm of his hands !
Just got thinking this morning, how focussed I have been on God's hand. I often tell the Lord how much I need his hand of healing, his hand of protection and provision. I desire his hand of blessing over every aspect of my life. Yet as soon as i experience Gods hand in one particular area, I move on to the next needy area in my life. Looking forever it seems to his hand. While there is nothing wrong in looking to Gods hand, I felt God telling me to listen to his heart and seek his face.
Gods face reflects his heart. As I lifted my focus off his hand to his face, I saw things I had never seen before. His love for me shows in his eyes - I am the apple of his eye. John 3 v 16 stared back at me attempting to express the extend of his love. As much as I saw love in Gods face, I also saw sorrow. His heart ached for the lost and lonely. Pain was etched on his face over his hurting children. It was then I saw beyond my need and greed. My selfishness loomed large before my eyes. It hurt to see my Daddy hurt.
Oh that we would see through his eyes and hear through his ears. If only his heart cry would become ours. For His heart seeks that we would be his hands. That Praying hands lifted in worship be transformed as helping hands.
He desires we mouth his words, words of comfort and healing. Oh that our feet would walk where his would tread. Going forth, reaching out, snatching away souls from the flames of destruction. To be his candle burning bright, dispelling the depths of despairing darkness.
While its true that the hand is not far from the face, what a change of perspective I experienced when I gazed into Gods heart through the mirror of his eyes ! Let us live each moment seeking his face and doing his will, while resting in the knowledge that we are engraved in the palm of his hands !
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Follow direction, Focus and Persevere
My life till late was content being a Spectator - enjoying sights and sounds on every road journey. The pleasure was all mine to dream or doze as I would choose. My thoughts or speech needed no rein when the steering lies in 'another' hand. 'Backbenchers' dont take responsibility for Enroute Choices or Decisions. The status quo has changed ever since I started to learn driving.
Learning to drive is truly an experience by itself. Driving in Oman is nothing less than a challenge. Just in case you didn't know, the traffic mortality rates in Oman are soaring like never before. In order to earn your driving license, you need to clear a 'Drum and Slope' test as well as the 'Road Test'. Follow the rules, Focus and Persevere have become keywords in the 'Learning to drive' saga of my life.
Those of you 'Drivers' reading my post know what driving entails -
Follow Directions to reach the Destination : I have to follow traffic rules and also need to be sure of the directions to my destination. If I doubt the directions I need to trust a reliable companion to help me find the way.
Focus and Persevere: I have learned much about this ever since my driving lessons. I am required to be Alert with a capital 'A'. My initial challenge was to remain on 'my' lane. Though the lane markings guide me, I was often tempted to stray when I 'feel' a vehicle alongside mine. I cannot be carried away by the 'Sights and Sounds' along the way. I have to fix my eyes ahead and keep going in the right direction.
Maintaining the right perspective has become essential. If all I did was look through the rear view mirror, I would lose sight of what lay ahead. What lies behind me is not as important as what lies ahead except when I need to reverse.
The journey ends when I reach my destination : I cannot give up or give in till I reach my destination.
I could not help but draw n analogy to our journey of Faith. As with any journey on earth,
I need to follow Directions to reach my Heavenly Destination.
In my journey from life to death and on to eternity,I have not been left behind to find my way. Jesus is The Way. The Bible is my 'Instruction cum Direction Manual'. The Holy Spirit is an ever present companion revealing the truth of the Written word. I cannot be lost as long as I listen to the still small voice.
John 14:6 NIV Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:26 NIV But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
I have to focus and persevere.
As I run the race of faith there are enough sights and sounds that tempt, stall or discourage me. I am often bogged down by all that life throws at me -maybe its the family,finances or friends. Maybe it is the neighbours stinking attitude (not to mention the disgust at my own attitudes).
Through it all we are reminded in
Hebrews 12 v 1-2 - Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.
Maintaining the right perspective is another challenge :
Too often the rear view mirror looms large ! My past Fame or its Shame can take me on a tangent. The rear view mirror needs our attention when we need to repent. It also reminds us to be grateful for all that lies behind. Nevertheless, we cannot remain in the past. You and I have to move on to all that lies ahead, to all that God has called us to.
Acts 3:19 NIV Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,
Psalm 103:2 NIV Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits--
Journeys End :I know for sure that my journey here below will not stretch forever. Just as all journeys on earth come to close, my race of faith will reach its finishing line. Yet unlike journeys here below, I cannot determine my expected time of arrival.As much as I long for my heavenly home, God has fixed my date and time of arrival.
John 14 v 2-3
In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
If you can capture the joy and relief of reaching home after a long long journey, it will give you but a meagre glimpse of what it would be like for the journey to end. I pray for myself and for you dear friend that till that moment arrives, you will Follow directions, Focus and Persevere on to your heavenly home.
Learning to drive is truly an experience by itself. Driving in Oman is nothing less than a challenge. Just in case you didn't know, the traffic mortality rates in Oman are soaring like never before. In order to earn your driving license, you need to clear a 'Drum and Slope' test as well as the 'Road Test'. Follow the rules, Focus and Persevere have become keywords in the 'Learning to drive' saga of my life.
Those of you 'Drivers' reading my post know what driving entails -
Follow Directions to reach the Destination : I have to follow traffic rules and also need to be sure of the directions to my destination. If I doubt the directions I need to trust a reliable companion to help me find the way.
Focus and Persevere: I have learned much about this ever since my driving lessons. I am required to be Alert with a capital 'A'. My initial challenge was to remain on 'my' lane. Though the lane markings guide me, I was often tempted to stray when I 'feel' a vehicle alongside mine. I cannot be carried away by the 'Sights and Sounds' along the way. I have to fix my eyes ahead and keep going in the right direction.
Maintaining the right perspective has become essential. If all I did was look through the rear view mirror, I would lose sight of what lay ahead. What lies behind me is not as important as what lies ahead except when I need to reverse.
The journey ends when I reach my destination : I cannot give up or give in till I reach my destination.
I could not help but draw n analogy to our journey of Faith. As with any journey on earth,
I need to follow Directions to reach my Heavenly Destination.
In my journey from life to death and on to eternity,I have not been left behind to find my way. Jesus is The Way. The Bible is my 'Instruction cum Direction Manual'. The Holy Spirit is an ever present companion revealing the truth of the Written word. I cannot be lost as long as I listen to the still small voice.
John 14:6 NIV Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:26 NIV But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
I have to focus and persevere.
As I run the race of faith there are enough sights and sounds that tempt, stall or discourage me. I am often bogged down by all that life throws at me -maybe its the family,finances or friends. Maybe it is the neighbours stinking attitude (not to mention the disgust at my own attitudes).
Through it all we are reminded in
Hebrews 12 v 1-2 - Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.
Maintaining the right perspective is another challenge :
Too often the rear view mirror looms large ! My past Fame or its Shame can take me on a tangent. The rear view mirror needs our attention when we need to repent. It also reminds us to be grateful for all that lies behind. Nevertheless, we cannot remain in the past. You and I have to move on to all that lies ahead, to all that God has called us to.
Acts 3:19 NIV Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,
Psalm 103:2 NIV Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits--
Journeys End :I know for sure that my journey here below will not stretch forever. Just as all journeys on earth come to close, my race of faith will reach its finishing line. Yet unlike journeys here below, I cannot determine my expected time of arrival.As much as I long for my heavenly home, God has fixed my date and time of arrival.
John 14 v 2-3
In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
If you can capture the joy and relief of reaching home after a long long journey, it will give you but a meagre glimpse of what it would be like for the journey to end. I pray for myself and for you dear friend that till that moment arrives, you will Follow directions, Focus and Persevere on to your heavenly home.
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